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Hill RM, Hussain Z, Vieyra B, Gallagher A. Reporting Ethical Procedures in Suicide Prevention Research: Current Status and Recommendations. Arch Suicide Res 2023; 27:1373-1390. [PMID: 36415164 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2022.2131493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ethical concerns frequently arise in suicide prevention research regarding participant safety and confidentiality. Despite a substantial literature on managing and navigating ethical concerns in suicide research, little attention has been paid to the reporting of ethical procedures. Furthermore, standard procedures for reporting ethical risk management procedures have not been developed. METHOD A review of the current literature was performed to examine the current state of reporting of ethical procedures within suicide research. Articles published in 2020 (N = 263) from three suicide-focused publications were screened and then coded (n = 131) to identify reporting of procedures for the ethical conduct of research and suicide risk management steps taken by the research teams. RESULTS The majority of articles reported ethical review or approval (84.7%) and reported the use of an informed consent process (77.9%). Only 28.2% included risk mitigation procedures. Of those 29.7% of those articles reported conducting risk evaluation, 66.7% reported resource dissemination, and 51.4% reported an intervention. CONCLUSION As empirical support for brief interventions accrues, suicide prevention researchers should consider establishing standards for the reporting of procedures to ensure the safety of participants with suicidal risk.HighlightsReporting suicide safety protocols helps ensure high ethical standards in research.Fewer than 1/3 of articles reviewed reported risk mitigation procedures in 2020.Standard procedures for reporting safety protocols in suicide research are needed.
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Sultana M, Gow J, Mosharaf P, Rahman H, Koly KN, Rahman MA, Huq N, Rawal LB, Kumar M, Mahumud RA. Parental role and peer support in adolescent suicidal behavior in eight South-East Asian countries. J Affect Disord 2023; 332:221-230. [PMID: 37019389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of suicidal behaviors, i.e. suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal plan (SP), and suicidal attempt (SA) among adolescents with a focus on parental and peer support in eight South-East Asian countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. METHOD Data were drawn from Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) covering 42,888 adolescents aged 11-17 years. Weighted prevalence of SI, SP, and SA along with country specific prevalence was computed and binary logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS Among 42,888 adolescents 19,113 (44.9 %) were males and 23,441 (55.1 %) females. Overall prevalence of SI, SP and SA is 9.10 %, 10.42 % and 8.54 %, respectively. Myanmar demonstrated the lowest SI (1.07 %) and SP (0.18 %) whereas lowest SA was found in Indonesia (3.79 %). Maldives had the highest prevalence of SI, SP and SA which were 14.13 %, 19.02 % and 13.38 % respectively. Overall suicidal behaviors were associated with being female [AOR:SI-1.26(1.06,1.50), SP-1.34(1.14,1.57),], high levels of sedentary behavior [AOR:SI-2.08(1.62,2.66), SP-1.86(1.49,2.32), SA-1.96(1.45,2.64)], involvement in physical fighting [AOR:SI-1.30(1.07,1.58), SP-1.37(1.14,1.65), SA-1.50(1.17,1.90)], being seriously injured [AOR:SI-1.40(1.17,1.67), SP-1.44(1.22,1.69), SA-1.74(1.39,2.17)], being bullied [AOR:SI- 1.68(1.39,2.02), SP-1.34(1.12,1.60), SA-1.88(1.50,2.36)], feeling lonely(most of time or always) [AOR:SI-3.41(2.60,4.46), SP-1.92(1.48,2.47), SA-2.25(1.62,3.13)], lack of parental support(never checking homework) [AOR:SI-1.59(1.25,2.02), SP-1.52(1.22,1.90)] and not having close friends [AOR:SI-2.19(1.66,2.89), SP-2.26(1.74,2.94), SA-4.23(3.10,5.78)]. CONCLUSION Though prevalence of suicidal behaviors varies, a range of cross-cutting risk factors exists that warrant further examination. We recommend focusing on strengthening parental and peer support, targeted programs addressing physical activity, bullying, loneliness and mental-health of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moomtahin Sultana
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Jeff Gow
- School of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia; School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Parvez Mosharaf
- School of Business, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Habibur Rahman
- Upazilla Health and Family Planning Officer's Office, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Kamrun N Koly
- Health System and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ashfikur Rahman
- Development Studies Discipline, Social Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Nafisa Huq
- Department of Public Health, School of Pharmacy and Public Health, Independent University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lal B Rawal
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Science and Sustainability, Central Queensland University, Australia
| | - Manasi Kumar
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University and University of Kenya, Kenya
| | - Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Andriessen K. Doing the Right Thing - Ethical Issues in Designing Suicide Prevention Studies. CRISIS 2023; 44:1-6. [PMID: 36752309 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
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Peters S, Cook L, Littlewood D, Awenat Y, Drake R, Gill J, Gorton A, Haddock G, Harris K, Hozhabrafkan K, Huggett C, Kirby L, Pratt D, Gooding P. A systematic investigation of the short and long term experiences of taking part in research about suicidal thoughts and acts in the context of a randomised controlled trial. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Dempster G, Ozols I, Krysinska K, Reifels L, Schlichthorst M, Pirkis J, Andriessen K. Ethical Issues to Consider in Designing Suicide Prevention Studies: An Expert Consensus Study. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 27:582-598. [PMID: 35006039 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2021.2022553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
AIM Research is imperative to advance our understanding of suicidal behavior and its prevention. Suicide prevention research involves various ethical issues, many of which are not straightforward to address. Hence, suicide prevention researchers sometimes face particular issues when designing their research studies. This expert consensus study aimed to identify the most important ethical issues to consider when designing suicide prevention studies. METHODS People with lived experience of suicide (N = 32) and suicide prevention researchers (N = 34) rated 80 statements on a 5-point Likert scale from "essential" to "should not be included." RESULTS There was significant agreement between and within the two groups of participants with regard to the most highly rated statements. The most highly rated statements for both groups included the importance of the ethical principles of merit, integrity, justice, and beneficence. Additionally, lived experience participants placed emphasis on the support and care for researchers, and suicide prevention researchers placed emphasis on the risk management protocols and support services for participants. CONCLUSION There was strong agreement between people with lived experience of suicide and suicide prevention researchers regarding what to consider when designing ethically sound suicide prevention research, including the importance of ethical principles and support for both participants and researchers.HIGHLIGHTSThere was strong agreement between people with lived experience of suicide and researchers.Researchers emphasized adherence to national guidelines.People with lived experience of suicide valued care for study participants and researchers.
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Andriessen K, Krysinska K, Rickwood D, Pirkis J. The Reactions of Adolescents, Parents and Clinicians to Participating in Qualitative Research Interviews Regarding Adolescents Bereaved by Suicide and Other Traumatic Death. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19010452. [PMID: 35010712 PMCID: PMC8744783 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There are concerns that involving adolescents bereaved by suicide and other traumatic death in research may cause distress and harm. However, no study has investigated such bereaved adolescents’ research experiences. In addition, no study has looked at the experiences of parents and clinicians as participants in adolescent suicide and traumatic death bereavement research. This study aimed to explore the short-term impact of research participation experienced by adolescents, parents, and clinicians. A total of 61 participants (adolescents, n = 17; parents, n = 12; clinicians, n = 32) filled out a short survey within two weeks of having taken part in a qualitative interview study. Data were analyzed descriptively. Most participants had experienced no distress while participating and no negative effects of participating; rather, participation was experienced as helpful for them and they would highly recommend participating in a study like this to others. A few adolescents and parents reported some distress, related to anxiety about participation and the unpleasantness of grief memories. The study clearly indicates that bereaved adolescents, parents and clinicians can safely participate in research interviews regarding their experiences of grief and help after suicide, generally valuing the opportunity to share their experience. To prevent and mitigate potential distress, training of research staff and implementation of appropriate participant distress protocols are imperative. Future studies could include longitudinal follow-up of participants to assess any longer-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (K.K.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (K.K.); (J.P.)
| | - Debra Rickwood
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia;
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (K.K.); (J.P.)
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Abstract
Despite a plethora of existing literature on the topic of suicide, very little attention has been given to research ethics in practice in research on suicide. When suicide research does pay attention to the ethical issues researchers are likely to face, the focus is on the roles institutional human ethics review committees fulfil to ensure ethical conduct in all stages of research. In response to this problem, this article focuses on the philosophical relationship between qualitative methodology and research ethics in the context of researching queer youth suicide. In so doing, I draw on my experiences of interviewing gender-and sexually diverse young people about their familiarity with suicide. These experiences are based on a qualitative pilot study I conducted on queer youth suicide, which used the unstructured interview technique to collect data. Drawing on the works of Emmanuel Levinas and Judith Butler, I examine what it means to face the alterity of the suicidal 'Other', and what this facing entails in terms of research ethics as relational. I argue that facing reveals not only myself as more vulnerable than I anticipated, but also the suicidal 'Other' as agentic instead of only vulnerable and at-risk of suicide.
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Barnard E, Dempster G, Krysinska K, Reifels L, Robinson J, Pirkis J, Andriessen K. Ethical concerns in suicide research: thematic analysis of the views of human research ethics committees in Australia. BMC Med Ethics 2021; 22:41. [PMID: 33827554 PMCID: PMC8028799 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-021-00609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide research aims to contribute to a better understanding of suicidal behaviour and its prevention. However, there are many ethical challenges in this research field, for example, regarding consent and potential risks to participants. While studies to-date have focused on the perspective of the researchers, this study aimed to investigate the views and experiences of members of Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) in dealing with suicide-related study applications. METHODS This qualitative study entailed a thematic analysis using an inductive approach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample (N = 15) of HREC Chairs or their delegates from Australian research-intensive universities. The interview guide included questions regarding the ethical concerns and challenges in suicide-related research raised by HREC members, how they dealt with those challenges and what advice they could give to researchers. RESULTS The analysis identified four main themes: (1) HREC members' experiences of reviewing suicide-related study applications, (2) HREC members' perceptions of suicide, suicide research, and study participants, (3) Complexity in HREC members' decision-making processes, and (4) HREC members' relationships with researchers. CONCLUSIONS Reliance on ethical guidelines and dialogue with researchers are crucial in the assessment of suicide-related study applications. Both researchers and HREC members may benefit from guidance and resources on how to conduct ethically sound suicide-related studies. Developing working relationships will be likely to help HRECs to facilitate high quality, ethical suicide-related research and researchers to conduct such research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barnard
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Georgia Dempster
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Lennart Reifels
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Bailey E, Mühlmann C, Rice S, Nedeljkovic M, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Sander L, Calear AL, Batterham PJ, Robinson J. Ethical issues and practical barriers in internet-based suicide prevention research: a review and investigator survey. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:37. [PMID: 32404098 PMCID: PMC7222514 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who are at elevated risk of suicide stand to benefit from internet-based interventions; however, research in this area is likely impacted by a range of ethical and practical challenges. The aim of this study was to examine the ethical issues and practical barriers associated with clinical studies of internet-based interventions for suicide prevention. METHOD This was a mixed-methods study involving two phases. First, a systematic search was conducted to identify studies evaluating internet-based interventions for people at risk of suicide, and information pertaining to safety protocols and exclusion criteria was extracted. Second, investigators on the included studies were invited to complete an online survey comprising open-ended and forced-choice responses. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data. RESULTS The literature search identified 18 eligible studies, of which three excluded participants based on severity of suicide risk. Half of the 15 suicide researchers who participated in the survey had experienced problems obtaining ethics approval, and none had encountered adverse events attributed to their intervention. Survey respondents noted the difficulty of managing risk in online environments and the limitations associated with implementing safety protocols, although some also reported increased confidence resulting from the ethical review process. Respondents recommended researchers pursue a collaborative relationship with their research ethics committees. CONCLUSION There is a balance to be achieved between the need to minimise the risk of adverse events whilst also ensuring interventions are being validated on populations who may be most likely to use and benefit from them (i.e., those who prefer anonymity). Further research is required to obtain the views of research ethics committees and research participants on these issues. Dialogue between researchers and ethics committees is necessary to address the need to ensure safety while also advancing the timely development of effective interventions in this critical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Bailey
- Orygen, Locked Bag 10, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia.
| | - Charlotte Mühlmann
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4. Sal, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen, Nørregade 10, 1165, København, Denmark
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Locked Bag 10, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Maja Nedeljkovic
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, Locked Bag 10, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Lasse Sander
- Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychotherapy, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Engelbergerstr. 41, D-79085, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2061, Australia
| | - Philip J Batterham
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2061, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Locked Bag 10, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Thorn P, Hill NT, Lamblin M, Teh Z, Battersby-Coulter R, Rice S, Bendall S, Gibson KL, Finlay SM, Blandon R, de Souza L, West A, Cooksey A, Sciglitano J, Goodrich S, Robinson J. Developing a Suicide Prevention Social Media Campaign With Young People (The #Chatsafe Project): Co-Design Approach. JMIR Ment Health 2020; 7:e17520. [PMID: 32391800 PMCID: PMC7248803 DOI: 10.2196/17520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people commonly use social media platforms to communicate about suicide. Although research indicates that this communication may be helpful, the potential for harm still exists. To facilitate safe communication about suicide on social media, we developed the #chatsafe guidelines, which we sought to implement via a national social media campaign in Australia. Population-wide suicide prevention campaigns have been shown to improve knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward suicide. However, suicide prevention campaigns will be ineffective if they do not reach and resonate with their target audience. Co-designing suicide prevention campaigns with young people can increase the engagement and usefulness of these youth interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to document key elements of the co-design process; to evaluate young people's experiences of the co-design process; and to capture young people's recommendations for the #chatsafe suicide prevention social media campaign. METHODS In total, 11 co-design workshops were conducted, with a total of 134 young people aged between 17 and 25 years. The workshops employed commonly used co-design strategies; however, modifications were made to create a safe and comfortable environment, given the population and complexity and sensitivity of the subject matter. Young people's experiences of the workshops were evaluated through a short survey at the end of each workshop. Recommendations for the campaign strategy were captured through a thematic analysis of the postworkshop discussions with facilitators. RESULTS The majority of young people reported that the workshops were both safe (116/131, 88.5%) and enjoyable (126/131, 96.2%). They reported feeling better equipped to communicate safely about suicide on the web and feeling better able to identify and support others who may be at risk of suicide. Key recommendations for the campaign strategy were that young people wanted to see bite-sized sections of the guidelines come to life via shareable content such as short videos, animations, photographs, and images. They wanted to feel visible in campaign materials and wanted all materials to be fully inclusive and linked to resources and support services. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study internationally to co-design a suicide prevention social media campaign in partnership with young people. The study demonstrates that it is feasible to safely engage young people in co-designing a suicide prevention intervention and that this process produces recommendations, which can usefully inform suicide prevention campaigns aimed at youth. The fact that young people felt better able to safely communicate about suicide on the web as a result of participation in the study augurs well for youth engagement with the national campaign, which was rolled out across Australia. If effective, the campaign has the potential to better prepare many young people to communicate safely about suicide on the web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Thorn
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole Tm Hill
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michelle Lamblin
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Zoe Teh
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Bendall
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kerry L Gibson
- The University of Auckland, Auckland CBD, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Summer May Finlay
- The University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- The University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Andriessen K, Reifels L, Krysinska K, Robinson J, Dempster G, Pirkis J. Ethical Concerns in Suicide Research: Results of an International Researcher Survey. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2019; 14:383-394. [PMID: 31291798 DOI: 10.1177/1556264619859734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Researchers and research ethics committees share a common goal of conducting ethically sound research. However, little is known of researchers' experiences in obtaining ethics approval for suicide-related studies. This study aimed to investigate what concerns researchers have received on suicide-related ethics applications and how they dealt with it. Thirty-four respondents, recruited through the International Association for Suicide Prevention, filled out an online survey. The study found that researchers have received important concerns regarding potential harm and researchers' responsibilities to participants. Researchers modified their application and/or consulted their research ethics committee in response to the concerns, which had a positive/neutral impact on their given study. Anticipating concerns and improved collaboration between researchers and research ethics committees should protect the quality of suicide prevention research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karolina Krysinska
- 1 The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,2 Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- 2 Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jane Pirkis
- 1 The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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